Save 10% on your first order with code WELCOME10 →

What Ink Does the Epson WorkForce WF-2850 Use?

The Epson WorkForce WF-2850 uses Epson 220 DURABrite Ultra ink cartridges (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow), with 220XL high-yield versions for nearly triple the page yield.

Ink Cartridges at a Glance

Cartridge Color Yield
T220120 (220 BK) Black ~175 pages
T220XL120 (220XL BK) Black (XL) ~500 pages
T220XL220 Cyan (XL) ~450 pages
T220XL320 Magenta (XL) ~450 pages
T220XL420 Yellow (XL) ~450 pages

The Epson 220/220XL cartridge family fits the WorkForce WF-2630, WF-2650, WF-2660, WF-2750, WF-2760, WF-2830, WF-2850 and Expression Home XP-320, XP-420, XP-424.

Save on Epson 220XL Ink

Compatible Epson 220XL cartridges work in the WF-2850 at a fraction of OEM pricing. Shop Epson 220 cartridges at Castle Ink.

How to Replace Ink in the Epson WorkForce WF-2850

  1. Power on the printer and lift the scanner unit.
  2. Wait for the cartridge holder to move to the replacement position.
  3. Pinch the tab on the empty cartridge and lift it out.
  4. Unbox the new Epson 220XL cartridge, remove the yellow tape, and insert it into the matching slot until it clicks.
  5. Lower the scanner unit and follow the on-screen prompts to charge the ink.

Troubleshooting Tips

Cartridge not recognized: Remove and reinsert, making sure it clicks fully into place.

Streaks or missing colors: Run Setup > Maintenance > Print Head Cleaning.

Yellow tape warning: Verify the yellow protective tape was removed from the new cartridge.

Low ink warning persists: Some compatibles show estimated levels — judge by print quality.

Official Epson Resources

Epson WorkForce WF-2850 support · Epson home

Bottom Line

The Epson WF-2850 uses Epson 220 (or 220XL) DURABrite Ultra ink. 220XL gives the best cost-per-page — shop 220XL ink at Castle Ink.

Frequently Asked Questions

220 or 220XL? Both fit; 220XL prints about 2.5x more pages.

Pages per cartridge? About 500 black / 450 color per 220XL.

Can I mix 220 and 220XL? Yes — any combination works.

Will compatible Epson 220XL cartridges work? Yes — quality compatibles fit the WF-2850.

Why isn't my cartridge recognized? Remove and firmly reseat. Replace if it still fails.

— William Elward

Written and reviewed by — Founder of Castle Ink, 20+ years in the printer & imaging supplies industry.